The Big 12 opens the 2013 campaign with 60 percent of its teams ranked or receiving votes, and against four opponents who played in bowl games a year ago.

The August 30 start date for the league is the earliest since Baylor and Iowa State opened on August 28, 2008. It's the 12th season in Conference history for opening games in the eighth month. The Big 12 is 38-18 in August non-conference games since 1996.

Nine of 10 teams in the Big 12 played in bowl games last season, showcasing the top-to-bottom strength of the league. No other conference in NCAA history has sent 90 percent of its teams to bowl games in the same season.

There are no breather weekends in the Big 12 once conference play begins. With round-robin football scheduling, everyone plays everyone every season! And with 10 teams, half the league plays FIVE conference road games each year.

The Big 12 is one of two FBS leagues to play a nine-game conference schedule.

All losses suffered by Big 12 teams last season were to squads that played in bowls.

The Big 12 has produced five Heisman Trophy winners since its inception and has been home to 12 Heisman finalists over the last 17 seasons. No other conference has had more finalists since 1996, and the Big 12’s five winners ties for the lead during that span.

The Big 12 ranks second with seven appearances in the BCS National Championship Game and has had 14 teams finish the regular season ranked in the top four of the final BCS Standings.

The Big 12 has ranked in the top eight nationally in scoring offense every season; with a team in the top five 14 of 17 years.

Defensively, the Conference has had a team finish among the top eight in the NCAA in scoring defense 12 of 17 seasons.